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Red Sox add INF Josh Rutledge to roster; Jemile Weeks DFA'd

(7/29/2015)The Red Sox have added infielder Josh Rutledgeto the active roster on Wednesday. Rutledge was acquired in the recent trade that sent Shane Victorino to the Angels.

Rutledge, who played in 266 games over three years with the Rockies, did not get into a big-league game with the Angels. He was hitting .274 with five home runs and 32 RBI in 78 games with the Angels' Triple-A team this year.

Rutledge will take the roster spot of fellow infielder Jemile Weeks, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old Victorino has suffered through an injury-plagued season and has been unproductive over the last two years. He owns a .245/.324/.298 slash line in 2015.

Rutledge has yet to play for the Angels this year after earning part-time duty in Colorado the previous three seasons.

Angels prospect Josh Rutledge to get work at shortstop in Triple-A

by Brandon Wise | CBSSports.com

(4/7/2015)Angels prospect Josh Rutledgewas considered the favorite to win the role at second base heading into spring training. But now that he will begin the year in Triple-A, Los Angeles wants to see his versatility, reports the Orange County Register.

Rutledge will primarily play shortstop during his minor league assignment, but also get time at second and third base.

"He was supposed to be the utility infielder but somehow the runaway train made him our everyday second baseman," general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "That's not what he was necessarily supposed to be, and he did not have a very good spring. He needs to go back and get himself where he needs to be, start swinging the bat like he has in his lifetime in the minors."

Giavotella hit .315 (17 for 54) with one home run and seven RBI in 25 spring training games. He has slashed .238/.277/.334 over 437 big-league at-bats.

Angels 2B Josh Rutledge (hamstring) returns to lineup Sunday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/22/2015)Angels second baseman Josh Rutledge is back in the starting lineup Sunday, batting ninth in his team's game against the Giants.

Rutledge has been dealing with tightness in his hamstring and hasn't played since Tuesday. He's 7 for 31 with one double and three walks this spring in his battle to serve as the team's primary second baseman.

Angels INF Josh Rutledge sidelined due to hamstring tightness

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/21/2015)Angels infielder Josh Rutledge is dealing with some tightness in his hamstring, but he is expected to be back in the spring lineup soon, per MLB.com. Rutledge is batting .226 (7 for 31) through 12 spring games.

Angels' Josh Rutledge viewed as the favorite at second

Rutledge is competing with a number of players, including Grant Green and Johnny Giavotella, this spring. Rutledge has the most experience of the group, which could give him the edge.

The 25-year-old hit .269/.323/.405 over 309 at-bats last season.

Angels' Scioscia weighing second-base options

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/3/2015)Angels manager Mike Scioscia is weighing how much emphasis to put on spring-training performance as he decides how to approach the second-base position this season, MLB.com reports.

"A lot of it is to see what the best fit is for your group of guys, what your lineup needs are," Scioscia said. "There's an absolute to people winning jobs at spring training. Probably not at the analysis you're looking at -- 'Oh, he hit .340 in spring training' -- but there are a lot of things we're looking at as to how a guy fits in our lineup. You can make the team in spring, for sure, with the things that you show."

Scioscia hasn't ruled out the option of using multiple players at the position as the situation dictates.

"That's one of the options," he said. "There are guys that have the ability to go out there and do what we need to do on the defensive end and the offensive end, and we'll see who emerges and who gives us the best look."

Beckham was non-tendered by the Angels on Dec. 2. He managed a slash line of .227/.271/.348 in 2014.

Angels acquire Josh Rutledge from Rockies

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(12/11/2014)The Angels acquired infielder Josh Rutledge from the Rockies in exchange for pitcher Jairo Diaz, the Rockies announced Wednesday.

Rutledge has spent three seasons in the majors and hit .269/.323/.405 with four home runs and 33 RBI in 309 at-bats in 2014. While he proved much more dangerous against lefthanders last season, posting a .309/.371/.469 line in 81 at-bats against southpaws, he's delivered virtually identical splits against lefties and righties in his career. Where he's struggled is away from Coors Field, hitting just .230/.274/.354 with eight home runs and 36 RBI in 418 road at-bats in his career. Rutledge will likely compete for the starting second-base role vacated by the Howie Kendrick deal.

Diaz started 2014 in high Class A and ended the season in the majors, giving up two earned runs on four hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings while striking out eight over five appearances. He posted a 3.48 ERA and 85:20 K:BB ratio in 64 2/3 innings between high Class A Inland Empire and Double-A Arkansas.

Josh Rutledge on roll for Rockies

(9/10/2014)Shortstop Josh Rutledge has continued to provide a rare bright light in a lost season for the Rockies by maintaining a hot bat late in the season.

Rutledge is batting .500 over his last 22 at-bats with seven runs and six RBI in seven games. He has raised his batting average from .247 to .269 in September. That's his highest mark since Aug. 10.

Josh Rutledge healthy enough to play Thursday

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(7/31/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge was out of the lineup for the fourth straight game Thursday against the Cubs due to an illness, but was feeling well enough to come into the game as a defensive replacement.

Rutledge entered the game in a double switch during the seventh inning, playing shortstop and hitting ninth in one plate appearance. He should be healthy enough to play moving forward.

Josh Rutledge out of lineup Wednesday, available in emergency

Rutledge missed Monday and Tuesday due to an illness, and it seems like he's getting better, as the team optioned a reserve infielder Wednesday. He has hit .307/.358/.486 with three home runs and 19 RBI in 140 at-bats.

Josh Rutledge misses second straight start Tuesday

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(7/29/2014)Rockies shortstop Josh Rutledge was held out of the lineup Tuesday against the Cubs due to an upper respiratory infection, according to The Denver Post. It was the second straight start he missed.

Josh Rutledge dealing with illness

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(7/28/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge was scratched from the starting lineup Monday against the Cubs because of an illness, the Denver Post reports. Rutledge is hitting .307 over 140 at-bats. He'll look to return Tuesday in Chicago.

Josh Rutledge scratched Monday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(7/28/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge has been scratched from Monday's lineup.

It's unclear why Rutledge was scratched at this time. Charlie Culberson will take his place at shortstop. Rutledge is hitting .307 over 140 at-bats.

Josh Rutledge connects for third home run

(7/20/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge started in place of the injured Troy Tulowitzki (thigh) Sunday at Pittsburgh and made the most of his start by going 2 for 4 with two RBI in the 5-3 loss.

Rutledge made his presence felt early with a two-run homer off Jeff Locke in the first inning. It was his third home run and first in 16 games (five starts). Rutledge had just his second multi-RBI game of the season.

Josh Rutledge hits second home run Friday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/28/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge clubbed his second home run Friday against the Brewers.

With his team trailing by one in the ninth inning, Rutledge stepped in against Francisco Rodriguez. On the sixth pitch of the at-bat, Rutledge belted an 84 mph changeup out to left to tie the game. Rutledge finished 3 for 4, with two runs scored and one RBI.

Josh Rutledge re-emerging as Fantasy relevant option?

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(6/12/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge has started four of the last five games at second base for Colorado. The Rockies haven't benched DJ LeMahieu, but have instead played him more at third base lately to get Rutledge's bat in the lineup.

This is a positive development for Rutledge, especially since he's producing offensively. He's batting .615 (8 for 13) with one triple, two RBI and seven runs in his last four games.

Charlie Culberson didn't provide the production the Rockies were looking for after Nolan Arenado went on the disabled list in late May, so it seems manager Walt Weiss is comfortable enough playing LeMahieu at third base and Rutledge at second base.

Rutledge was impressive during his rookie season in 2012 before having a horrendous year in 2013. He's starting to show signs of bouncing back in 2014, so he could be worth a flier in deep formats and has the potential to develop into much more.

Josh Rutledge continues fast start

by Larry Hartstein | Senior Analyst

(6/11/2014)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge went 3 for 4 with a triple, a walk, an RBI and three runs scored in a 13-10 loss to the Braves on Tuesday. Rutledge is 6 for 10 over his last three starts, raising his average to .341/.413/.537 in 41 at-bats.

Rockies option Josh Rutledge

(5/13/2014)The Rockies reinstated infielder Josh Rutledge (viral infection) from the 15-day DL and optioned him to Triple-A Colorado Springs, the team announced.

Josh Rutledge placed on 15-day DL with viral infection

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(5/2/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of a viral infection, the team announced. The move is retroactive to April 28. Rutledge is hitting .318 with one home run and four RBI in 22 at-bats this season.

Rutledge has played both middle infield positions with the Rockies. He racked up 562 at-bats in the last two seasons combined.

Josh Rutledge: I'm back to 100 percent

by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(3/12/2014)Rockies probable backup middle infielder Josh Rutledge said he has fully recovered from a left ankle sprain that cost him five days of spring training. He showed it when he has hit twice turning double plays at second base in the game Tuesday.

"Nobody really hit [the ankle], but it's pretty much better now," he told MLB.com. "It was good for me to see guys coming in hard, because it lets me work on things. I worked my feet well and got the throws off and made strong throws. It's pretty much 100 percent now."

Rutledge batted .235 a year ago, but did 45 runs in 285 at-bats and steal 12 bases without being caught.

Josh Rutledge homers in return to lineup Friday

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/7/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge went 1 for 2 with a two-run home run in his team's 7-2 win over the Angels Friday.

Rutledge had been sidelined since March 1 with an ankle injury before notching his first hit of the spring with the fourth-inning blast, one of four home runs off Los Angeles starter Joe Blanton. Rutledge could win the team's starting job at second base with a great spring but will likely serve as a backup middle infielder this season.

Josh Rutledge back in the lineup Friday

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(3/7/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge is back in the team's lineup Friday, according to the Denver Post.

Rutledge missed six days due to an ankle injury. He was able to pass all his tests this week, and was deemed ready for game action. Rutledge will compete for a utility spot on the team's 25-man roster. He hit .235 in 285 at-bats last year.

Josh Rutledge will need a few more days

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(3/4/2014)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge will need a few more days before he can return to game action, according to the Denver Post.

Rutledge said the injury is getting better, but he'll still need more time. He's appeared in just one game this spring. Rutledge hit .235 in 285 at-bats last year.

Josh Rutledge dealing with ankle injury

While he wasn't able to participate in either of his team's games Monday, Rutledge did walk through the clubhouse Monday morning, so the injury is unlikely to be serious. He went 0 for 2 in his only spring appearance Saturday.

Josh Rutledge has 2014 sleeper appeal

by Al Melchior | Data Analyst

(10/15/2013)Josh Rutledge is coming off a highly disappointing sophomore season, having given way to DJ LeMahieu as the Rockies' primary second baseman. If Rutledge can't make good on his potential to hit for extra-base power and provide a decent batting average, the door will be open for LeMahieu to hold down the starting role again in 2014.

If given a chance, Rutledge probably won't let that happen. The biggest difference between Rutledge's rookie and sophomore campaigns was in how many flyballs in play landed for base hits. While it would have been unlikely for Rutledge to reproduce the .217 flyball BABIP he put up in 2012 (the major league average that year was .131), he regressed far beyond the mean to hit .052 on flyballs in play this season.

Given that Rutledge became a more selective hitter this year, and his home run and stolen base prowess were left intact, he looks to be a lock to improve in 2014. A 40-plus doubles pace, like the one he set out on in 2012, is probably too much to expect, but it's not unreasonable to look forward to 15 home runs, 30 doubles, 20 stolen bases and a batting average around .270. That potential makes Rutledge a late-round sleeper in standard mixed leagues, provided that the Rockies don't give up on him as a possible everyday player.

Josh Rutledge recalled from Triple-A

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9/1/2013)The Rockies recalled infielder Josh Rutledge from Triple-A Colorado Springs Sunday. Rutledge is batting .211 with five doubles, six home runs and 16 RBI in 67 games for Colorado this season.

Josh Rutledge injured at Triple-A

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(8/5/2013)Rockies minor league infielder Josh Rutledge was scratched from his start with Triple-A Colorado Springs Sunday due to an injured foot, the Denver Post reports. He will not be recalled if Carlos Gonzalez lands on the disabled list.

Rutledge has played in 67 games for the Rockies this season while up in the majors. He hit .211 over that time with six home runs and 16 RBI.

Rockies option Josh Rutledge back to minors

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(7/22/2013)The Rockies optioned infielder Josh Rutledge to Triple-A Colorado Springs Monday. Rutledge hit .143 (10 for 70) with a home run, two doubles and three RBI in a 24-game stint with Colorado.

Josh Rutledge steals base as pinch runner

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(6/30/2013)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge was called upon to pinch-run in the ninth inning of Saturday's game against the Giants and stole his sixth base of the season before scoring the winning run in a 2-1 victory.

Rutledge has struggled at the plate in June, hitting .140/.229/.233 with one home run and two RBI in 43 at-bats.

Josh Rutledge should turn season around

by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer

(6/20/2013)Since being recalled from a stint at Triple-A, Rockies shortstop Josh Rutledge has suffered through a cold snap, going 1-for-22 (.045 average) with a home run and seven strikeouts.

Rutledge has played in five of the team's six games since his recall, manning shortstop three times and second base twice. He's seemingly lost all momentum from his minor-league stint, when he hit .348 with two home runs and 13 runs scored in 69 at-bats. But Rutledge is too good of a hitter to wallow in the low-.200s and can offer some power and speed (he was on a 20/20 pace before his May demotion) once his hitting picks up.

There's no real issue if you're dumping Rutledge to go after someone like Nick Franklin, but dropping Rutledge just out of pure frustration may backfire -- he's shown enough skill in a few categories to merit a slightly longer leash than one week.

Josh Rutledge already out of lineup

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(6/17/2013)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge is not in the team's starting lineup Monday against the Blue Jays.

Rutledge was called up to replace Troy Tulowitzki, and has started the last three games. He'll be replaced by Jonathan Herrera. Rutledge is hitting .228/.285/.351 in 171 at-bats.

Josh Rutledge goes deep in first game back

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(6/15/2013)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge made his presence felt in his first game back in the majors Friday night against the Phillies.

Rutledge, who played at second base, took starter Kyle Kendrick deep for a two-run home run in the fourth inning. He finished 1 for 5 with one run scored and two RBI in an 8-7 defeat. He is hitting .241/.295/.370 in 44 games in the majors. He is expected to play second and shortstop while Troy Tulowitzki recovers from a fractured rib.

Rockies recall Josh Rutledge

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(6/14/2013)As expected, the Rockies promoted infielder Josh Rutledge from Triple-A prior to Friday's game against the Phillies.

Rutledge, who was a member of the opening day roster, will hit leadoff and play second base Friday. Jonathan Herrera will take over shortstop for the injured Troy Tulowitzki. Rutledge played 43 games at second, batting .242, before being demoted.

Josh Rutledge a must-add

by Nando Di Fino | Senior Fantasy Writer

(6/14/2013)With Troy Tulowitzki now out 4-6 weeks, Josh Rutledge is expected to serve as Colorado's regular shortstop. The 24-year-old struggled mightily in 2013 before a mid-May demotion, hitting .242 with five home runs and five steals.

But Rutledge has a couple things going for him. First, he was essentially playing and learning second base on the fly this season. In 2012, when he hit .274 with eight home runs and seven steals in 277 at-bats, Rutledge played shortstop -- his primary position in the minors. Second, Rutledge was tearing up Triple-A, with a .348 average, two home runs, nine doubles, a steal and a 1.003 OPS in 17 games.

Sporting dual eligibility at the shallow positions of shortstop and second base -- with potential in batting average, steals and home runs -- Rutledge could ride this hot streak into the majors, playing at his natural position. Add it all up, and the Rockies shortstop is a must-add in pretty much every format.

Josh Rutledge a late scratch, promotion looks likely

With Troy Tulowitzki apparently out at least a few weeks, there's a lot of speculation Rutledge will be called up to replace the All-Star shortstop. Rutledge has been tearing up the minors, hitting .348/.438/.565 in 69 at-bats since his demotion.

Tulowitzki's initial diagnosis is for four to six weeks, so Rutledge will have a good chunk of time to re-establish his value in the majors.

Josh Rutledge scratched with sickness

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(5/26/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge was scratched by Triple-A Colorado Springs Saturday with a stomach bug.

Rutledge went 0 for 6 and struck out twice in his first game with Colorado Springs after being optioned by the Rockies earlier this week. It was Rutledge's first work in Triple-A in his career.

Josh Rutledge heading down to Triple-A

by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com

(5/22/2013)With Michael Cuddyer returning from the disabled list Friday, the Rockies announced Wednesday that infielder Josh Rutledge has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Rutledge is batting .242 with a .655 OPS. He has yet to play in Triple-A after making the jump from Double-A last season. DJ LeMahieu is expected to take Rutledge's place in the starting lineup.

Rutledge has five home runs and 13 RBI in 43 games.

Josh Rutledge reaches base three times

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(5/16/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge had three hits Wednesday.

Rutledge had three singles, driving in two runs. He has a .255/.316/.383 line in 141 at-bats. Rutledge has added five home runs and five steals.

Josh Rutledge helps Rockies avoid shutout

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(5/13/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge wanted to make things competitive on Monday during a 9-1 loss at Chicago.

With Colorado down 9-0 in the top of the ninth and Carlos Marmol on for the Cubs, Rutledge hit a solo homer to put the Rockies on the board. The homer was his fifth of the season and his 11th RBI.

Rutledge went 1 for 3 with a walk in the game. He's batting .241. Rutledge has two homers and two RBI over his last 10 games.

Josh Rutledge starting to heat up

In his last eight games, Rutledge has 13 hits. Rutledge hit just .213 through April, but has managed to raise his average to .252 with his hot streak. Rutledge said things were "starting to fall into place" at the plate, and believes his luck may have turned. "At the beginning of the year, I hit some balls hard and they just didn't find a hole. That always turns around in baseball."

Josh Rutledge's average up to .252

by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com

(5/8/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge recorded the fourth multi-hit performance in his last seven games Tuesday night against the Yankees. He went 3 for 4 with a run scored in the 2-0 win. All three of his hits went for singles.

Rutledge is batting .400 (12 for 30) in his previous seven contests with one homer and three RBI. His average has risen from .200 to .252 during that span.

Josh Rutledge emerges from rut

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(5/4/2013)Rockies shortstop Josh Rutledge extended his hitting streak to four games during Colorado's 7-4 loss to Tampa Bay on Friday night. Rutledge went 2 for 5 with a solo homer off Rays starter Matt Moore to give him three multi-hit outings during his hitting streak.

Prior to his current hot stretch, he had gone hitless over three games to drop his batting average to .200, but has since improved that mark to .243. The 24-year-old also ranks seventh in the National League with 21 runs scored.

Josh Rutledge has three hits

Rutledge hit two singles and a double during the game. He also walked later in the game, putting him on base four times. Rutledge scored one run and drove in one RBI. He's hitting .235/.303/.357 this season.

Josh Rutledge having tough time raising average

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/30/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge snapped a 0-for-11 slump and managed his first multi-hit game in 11 outings Monday against the Dodgers. Rutledge was 2 for 5 with one run, one RBI and one walk.

Rutledge is batting .211 (8 for 38) with one double, two home runs, four RBI, six walks and six runs in his last 11 games.

Josh Rutledge extends streak with homer

by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com

(4/25/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge extended his modest hitting streak to five games in Wednesday's series finale against the Braves. He went 1 for 5 with a home run in a 6-5 win.

The 24-year-old launched a solo bomb off Tim Hudson in the second inning for his third long ball.

Rutledge has hit safely in seven of the previous eight games and is batting .296 (8 for 27) with two homers, three RBI and two stolen bases over that span.

Josh Rutledge working on upping average

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/23/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge heads into Tuesday's doubleheader against the Braves having hit safely in four of his last five games. Rutledge is batting .333 (5 for 15) with one double, one home run, one RBI, five walks, seven runs and one stolen base in that span.

Rutledge's batting average has improved from .191 to .226 in his last five games.

Josh Rutledege getting some steals

by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer

(4/17/2013)In only 13 games this year, Josh Rutledge has stolen four bases in four opportunities. He was a perfect 7 for 7 last year, but in 73 games.

Rockies manager Walt Weiss must have noticed the high success rate because he's sending Rutledge more than any of his previous managers -- in the majors or minors.

Just something to keep in mind if you've considered dropping Rutledge because of his slow start. As a player who can steal bases, his ceiling is even higher now than it was coming into the season, not that he's any guarantee to meet it, of course.

Manager trying to protect Josh Rutledge

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/16/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge, in a 0-for-9 slump, was benched for Game 1 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Mets. He was replaced by Jonathan Herrera in the starting lineup.

Manager Walt Weiss said he's not looking for Rutledge to be more patient, according to The Denver Post. He just wants to protect Rutledge from burying himself offensively. Rutledge, who sat for the second time this season, is batting .196 (9 for 46) in 11 games.

Josh Rutledge finding other ways to produce

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(4/14/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge didn't do much with the bat Saturday night at San Diego. He still managed to do some damage on the base paths.

Rutledge went 0 for 5 with a walk but still managed to score three times and steal two bases in the game. The two steals gives him three on the season for the Rockies.

The 23-year-old is batting .214 but he's scored 10 runs in his first 10 games with a double, home run and four RBI. He's been productive despite the low average and striking out 10 times.

Josh Rutledge not producing many RBI

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(4/9/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge produced his third multi-hit game of the season Monday at San Francisco. Rutledge, who recorded his first double Monday, is batting .269 (7 for 26) with one RBI and seven strikeouts in six games.

Josh Rutledge with two more hits

by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com

(4/2/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge has a two-game hitting streak to begin his season as he got on base once again on Tuesday in Milwaukee. In fact, Rutledge reached base twice in the game.

The young infielder went 2 for 4 for Colorado in Tuesday's game as the No. 2 hitter in the lineup. He singled twice and drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning. Rutledge also scored twice in the game for the Rockies. He's batting .333 after two games.

Rutledge, who went 1 for 5 in the opener with two strikeouts, hit .274 last year as a rookie for the Rockies.

Josh Rutledge exits game after collision

by R.J. White | CBSSports.com

(3/30/2013)Rockies second baseman Josh Rutledge was pulled from the game after colliding with right fielder Michael Cuddyer on a blooper Saturday against the Mariners. Rutledge left the game under his own power and appeared to be OK, so his status for opening day is likely unaffected.

Josh Rutledge looking to build on breakout season

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(3/26/2013)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge went 4 for 4 in Monday’s spring training game against the Indians.

Rutledge clubbed two doubles, and had six total bases during the game. Rutledge is looking to build on a breakout 2012, in which he hit .274/.306/.469 in 277 at-bats.

The 23-year-old is expected to open the season as the club’s starting second baseman.

Hesitant to draft Josh Rutledge

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(3/24/2013)Multiple times this spring I've encountered the chance to draft Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge, but every time I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I really think I'm caught up in the fact Rutledge hit just .176 in his final 25 games last season and is struggling again this spring, batting .222 (10 for 45) in 15 games.

I know there's upside with Rutledge. His line in the minors (.320/.374/.496/.870) was impressive and he tore the cover off the ball last season after being promoted to the majors. Still, I see an inconsistent Rutledge in 2013 and not a breakout Fantasy star, which is why I can't bring myself to even draft him as a sleeper.

Rutledge fires opening shot

by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com

(2/23/2013)Rockies infielder Josh Rutledge finished 3 for 3 with two runs scored and four RBI during Colorado's 11-2 victory over Arizona in the Cactus League opener for both teams on Saturday. Rutledge, considered the leading candidate over DJ LeMahieu for the starting job at second base to open the regular season, drilled two singles and a double during his impressive spring debut. LeMahieu did not play in Saturday's contest.

Rutledge feels better prepared

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1/27/2013)While Josh Rutledge heads into spring training as the favorite to edge out DJ LeMahieu as the starting second baseman for the Rockies, Josh Rutledge isn't taking anything for granted. "I know nothing is going to be given to me, and I wouldn't want that," Rutledge told The Denver Post. It's good that it stays fresh. It makes me stay even more focused and work harder." While Rutledge was a surprise breakout player for the Rockies in 2012, he wore down late in the season, batting .181 in his final 31 games and suffering through a quadriceps injury. "I think most of it was that I was wearing down. They weren't pitching to me that differently," Rutledge said. "My bat got a little slow and maybe I tried to do too much at the end. I learned from it."